Arc 18Madara’s Return and the Jinchuriki

Uzumaki Kuming defeated Madara Uchiha’s attack, confronted Sasuke, and forced the other villages to accept Konoha’s control of the Jinchuriki. As Kuming trained Naruto and managed growing unrest over Karin, Shisui disappeared, and a scroll led Kuming to realize that Shisui’s assassination had failed.

  • Madara Uchiha and Pain attacked Gaara and the Sunagakure group, but Obito, Shisui, and Itachi joined the fight and helped recover Gaara before Kuming’s squad tracked the Akatsuki to their hideout.
  • Madara Uchiha attacked Kuming, who fought him in his Golden-Armored Nine-Tails form, sealed Madara’s Rinnegan, and killed him before the Masked Man revived him.
  • Kuming buried Yahiko, Konan, and Nagato, then helped Mei Terumi search for Sasuke and defeated Sasuke before sending him away to uncover the truth about the Uchiha massacre.
  • Kuming refused the other villages’ demands for Konoha’s Jinchuriki, defeated A, Killer B, Yugito Nii, and Ōnoki, and persuaded the Raikage to accept Killer B and Yugito’s decision to remain in Konoha.
  • Madara Uchiha attacked Shisui after Shisui met Karui and Omoi, while Kuming trained Naruto and the Jinchuriki to prepare for Madara’s threat.
  • Naruto tried to win Chomei’s acknowledgment and then traveled to Mount Myoboku, where he mastered Sage Mode under Fukasaku’s instruction and heard a prophecy about fighting alongside a boy with powerful eyes.
  • Karin lost control of Saiken and killed Miyano, prompting protests in Konoha, but Minato took responsibility and refused to punish her.
  • Kuming used Karui’s scroll to witness Shisui’s encounter with Madara through genjutsu, realized Shisui had survived the assassination attempt, and left to search for him.
Chapters 430–454 Vol. 5 Read

Ch. 430Dawn (Mobilize! Target: Shukaku!)

Uzumaki Kuming sensed an unexplained danger but found nothing wrong with his body, while Akatsuki attacked the Sunagakure group to capture Gaara and Shukaku. After the Masked Man’s ambush failed, Pain overwhelmed Chiyo’s forces and demanded that Shukaku surrender.

  • Uzumaki Kuming felt ominous palpitations, and Orochimaru examined him but found no problem with his body.
  • The Masked Man confronted Gaara and the Sunagakure group, identified himself as Madara Uchiha, and announced that he had come for Shukaku.
  • Sasori warned Chiyo that the Masked Man was an Akatsuki leader who used space-time ninjutsu, then refused to join the fight.
  • Gaara trapped the Masked Man with Sand Binding Coffin, but the enemy escaped and used Banshō Ten'in to drag Gaara into the forest before blasting him away.
  • Pain appeared, repelled Chiyo’s ten puppets and sent Chiyo and Kankuro flying, while Gaara protected them with sand.
  • Pain demanded that Shukaku stop struggling and come to him, then used Banshō Ten'in.

Ch. 431Dawn (Uchiha of Konoha!)

Deva Path Pain captured Gaara with Black Receivers, but Sasori intervened and exposed Pain’s fear of Uzumaki Kuming’s sensory range. Pain unleashed a massive Shinra Tensei that devastated the battlefield, leaving Sasori, Chiyo, and Kankuro to emerge from underground as Obito Uchiha, Shisui Uchiha, and Itachi Uchiha arrived.

  • Deva Path Pain pulled Gaara close with Banshō Ten'in and pierced him with Black Receivers, while Chiyo rescued him and began removing them.
  • Chiyo summoned her parent-model Puppets, and Sasori took control of them to block Pain and declare that he was acting according to their will.
  • Sasori deduced that Pain was a controlled Puppet and warned that Uzumaki Kuming might detect him, prompting Chiyo to urge Gaara to go all out.
  • Gaara transformed into Shukaku, but Deva Path Pain rose into the sky and blasted the battlefield with Shinra Tensei, scattering Shukaku and burying the others.
  • Sasori dug himself, Chiyo, and Kankuro out of the devastated ground, where Obito Uchiha, Shisui Uchiha, and Itachi Uchiha appeared and questioned whether Sasori was their enemy.

Ch. 432Uchiha and Six Paths of Pain!

Obito Uchiha, Itachi Uchiha, and Shisui Uchiha confronted Pain as he carried off the unconscious Gaara, but the Six Paths of Pain overwhelmed them with their abilities and summoned beasts. The Uchihas withdrew, and Obito revealed that he had marked Pain with the Flying Thunder God Technique so they could follow him to his hideout.

  • Sasori told Obito Uchiha that he was from Sunagakure, just as Deva Path Pain arrived with the unconscious Gaara.
  • Obito Uchiha charged at Pain over Akatsuki's threat to Rin, and Shisui Uchiha joined him while Itachi Uchiha supported them.
  • Sasori warned the Uchihas that Pain was a puppet controlled through Black Receivers, and Deva Path Pain summoned the other five Paths.
  • Shisui Uchiha identified the Preta Path's chakra absorption, while the Asura Path struck Obito and attacked him and Itachi with missiles.
  • Deva Path Pain escaped with Gaara as the Animal Path summoned beasts to cover the other Paths, and the Uchihas used the Flying Thunder God Technique to withdraw with Sasori, Chiyo, and Kankuro.
  • Obito Uchiha told Itachi Uchiha that he had secretly marked Pain and planned to follow him to the Akatsuki hideout.

Ch. 433Mere Grit, Not Even Half My Worth!

Akatsuki began extracting Shukaku from Gaara as Uzumaki Kuming led Konoha's elites to attack their hidden base. Madara Uchiha was revived through Nagato's Rinne Rebirth Technique and confronted Kuming, whom he struck with Susanoo.

  • Masked Man refused to join the sealing and vanished underground while Deva Path, Konan, Yahiko, and Human Path began extracting Shukaku from Gaara.
  • Uzumaki Kuming led a nine-person Konoha squad into the Land of Rain and ordered them to use Flying Thunder God kunai to trap Akatsuki inside a barrier.
  • Obito Uchiha teleported the squad to the cave, where the team killed Asura Path and Kuming sealed the mountain with a purple barrier that stopped Masked Man's space-time ninjutsu.
  • Nagato's surviving Paths gathered before Kuming, and Animal Path warned him that the real enemy was about to arrive before the Paths vanished in white smoke.
  • Madara Uchiha broke through the barrier and stabbed Kuming, but Kuming survived, recognized that Nagato had revived Madara, and confronted him.
  • Madara Uchiha attacked Kuming with Susanoo, sending him crashing into a distant mountainside.

Ch. 434Battles Between Different Life Forms!

Uzumaki Kuming fought Madara Uchiha in a devastating battle, revealing his Golden-Armored Nine-Tails form and destroying Madara’s meteor. After gaining the upper hand, Kuming opened some distance and activated the Cursed Seal he had planted in Madara’s Rinnegan.

  • Madara Uchiha sent Kuming flying, attacked the group with Susanoo, and discovered that the mountain barrier withstood his strike.
  • Kuming emerged from the crater in his Golden-Armored Nine-Tails form, drove Madara back, and bombarded Susanoo with Lightning Style Tailed Beast Bombs.
  • Madara Uchiha summoned a meteor with Tengai Shinsei, but Kuming shattered it with a spirit-particle longsword.
  • Itachi, Shisui, Obito, Fugaku, and the others watched from a distance, treated Gaara’s wounds, and waited for a chance to help.
  • Kuming gained the upper hand in close combat as Madara struggled to damage the Golden-Armored Nine-Tails and repeatedly repaired Susanoo.
  • Kuming leaped back and activated the dormant Cursed Seal he had planted in Madara’s Rinnegan.

Ch. 435The Sealed Rinnegan!

Uzumaki Kuming defeated Madara Uchiha, who was rescued by the Masked Man and revived in an underground cavern. After discovering Yahiko, Konan, and Nagato’s bodies, Kuming buried them at their old home in the Land of Rain, where he encountered Mei Terumi and Chojuro.

  • Uzumaki Kuming sealed Madara Uchiha’s Rinnegan, pierced his chest, and killed him before escaping the Masked Man’s dimensional pull with Flying Thunder God.
  • The Masked Man retrieved Madara Uchiha, revived him in an underground cavern, and left to gather the other Tailed Beasts while Madara recovered.
  • Uzumaki Kuming and his allies found Yahiko, Konan, and Nagato’s corpses beside the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path, and Kuming stored their bodies in a scroll.
  • Uzumaki Kuming returned to the old house in the Land of Rain and buried Yahiko, Konan, and Nagato beneath its floor with their photograph.
  • Mei Terumi and Chojuro arrived at the abandoned house, and Kuming recognized Mei.

Ch. 436Sasuke's Trail, the Mist Ninja Hunter-nin!

Mei Terumi explained that Kirigakure was pursuing Sasuke Uchiha, a Konoha rogue ninja who had killed many of its shinobi. Uzumaki Kuming insisted on joining the hunt and kept Mei Terumi’s team with him at a cabin, leaving them to resume the search the next day.

  • Mei Terumi arrived at a cabin in the Land of Rain with Kirigakure shinobi, and Uzumaki Kuming knocked them down with lightning whips when they rushed him.
  • Mei Terumi told Uzumaki Kuming that Kirigakure was hunting Sasuke Uchiha, who had killed many Kirigakure shinobi before escaping into the Land of Rain.
  • Uzumaki Kuming offered to help capture Sasuke, and Mei Terumi tried to decline because she distrusted his intentions.
  • Uzumaki Kuming insisted that the Kirigakure team stay at the cabin and hunt Sasuke with him the next day.
  • Mei Terumi, Chojuro, and Uzumaki Kuming spent the night in the cabin while the rest of the Kirigakure shinobi kept watch outside.

Ch. 437How can you, Mizukage, be so weak?

After Mei Terumi and Chojuro accompanied Uzumaki Kuming to Rain Blessing Town to find Sasuke Uchiha, Kuming warned that Madara Uchiha's Eye of the Moon Plan threatened the shinobi world. An attacker drew Sasuke out, and Sasuke demanded to speak with Kuming.

  • Mei Terumi stayed awake all night watching Uzumaki Kuming, who told her there had been no need to fear him and asked her to lead him to Sasuke Uchiha.
  • Mei Terumi, Chojuro, and Uzumaki Kuming traveled to Rain Blessing Town, where Chojuro and Mei praised the Land of Rain's prosperity while Kuming cautioned that Akatsuki's peace came at others' expense.
  • Uzumaki Kuming told Mei Terumi that Madara Uchiha had been resurrected and intended to use the Eye of the Moon Plan to cast the shinobi world into an illusion.
  • An attacker threw kunai at Mei Terumi and Uzumaki Kuming; Kuming stopped one and was unharmed by the other, while Mei Terumi angrily attacked the hidden assailant.
  • Sasuke Uchiha emerged from the shadows and demanded to speak with Uzumaki Kuming, who rebuked him for his arrogance.

Ch. 438The Gap!

Sasuke confronted Uzumaki Kuming over Konoha’s treatment of the Uchiha and demanded the clan’s collected Sharingan, then attacked when Kuming refused. Kuming overwhelmed Sasuke’s attacks and stripped away his Amaterasu, leaving Sasuke unable to harm him.

  • Sasuke accused Kuming of helping massacre the Uchiha and demanded that Konoha hand over the clan’s collected Sharingan.
  • Kuming challenged Sasuke’s belief that the Uchiha had been excluded from Konoha’s power, while Sasuke insisted the clan had been imprisoned and exploited.
  • Sasuke attacked Kuming with his Kusanagi Sword and Chidori, but Kuming’s Lightning Armor stopped both strikes.
  • Kuming dodged Sasuke’s Amaterasu, shattered his Susanoo with a punch, and cast off the black flames using golden Chakra.
  • Sasuke used Amaterasu again and sent Susanoo’s fist at Kuming, but Kuming detached the burning Chakra and crushed the Susanoo fist with one hand.

Ch. 439The Path Planned for Sasuke!

Uzumaki Kuming defeated Sasuke Uchiha in Rain Blessing Town, captured him, and took him to a wooden house instead of returning him directly to Konoha. After Sasuke woke and attacked him, Kuming wounded him again and demanded that he calm down.

  • Sasuke's Susanoo changed and grew stronger as his emotions surged, but Kuming dodged his attacks and shattered the Susanoo again.
  • Kuming knocked Sasuke unconscious, then left with him after refusing to hand him over to Mei Terumi.
  • Kuming brought Sasuke to a wooden house and decided Sasuke would need to redeem his crimes through service rather than face execution or imprisonment in Konoha.
  • Sasuke woke and attacked Kuming with his Kusanagi Sword and Chidori, so Kuming took the sword and pierced Sasuke's leg with it.

Ch. 440My Rules Are the Rules!

Uzumaki Kuming left Sasuke Uchiha in the Land of Rain to recover and seek the truth about the Uchiha clan, then returned to Konoha amid demands from allied villages for its Jinchuriki. He rejected the demands and challenged anyone who opposed him to come speak to him.

  • Uzumaki Kuming told Sasuke Uchiha he would not take him back to Konoha yet, gave him a Flying Thunder God kunai, and urged him to uncover the truth before returning.
  • Sasuke Uchiha asked Uzumaki Kuming to tell his mother that he was safe, then wondered whether the masked Uchiha could reveal the truth about his clan.
  • Uzumaki Kuming returned to Konoha, where Uehara Akina and Kisame told him that Iwagakure, Takigakure, and the Cloud Ninja were demanding Deidara and several Jinchuriki.
  • Uzumaki Kuming rejected the idea of surrendering Rin, Karin, or Naruto and condemned the First's balance-of-power policy for contributing to later wars.
  • Uzumaki Kuming appeared in Minato's office and ordered him to tell the envoys that no Jinchuriki would leave Konoha, daring them to confront him personally.

Ch. 441You guys talk to him!

Uzumaki Kuming joined Minato’s negotiations with the Stone, Cloud, and Takigakure envoys, making clear that Konoha would not surrender its Jinchuriki. The meeting began with Kuming rejecting Takigakure’s claim to a Tailed Beast, leaving the envoys facing his authority.

  • Minato revealed that he had been waiting for Uzumaki Kuming’s opinion before deciding whether to yield to the other villages’ demands, and Kuming agreed to lead Konoha’s response.
  • Uchiha Obito burst into the Hokage’s office after hearing that Rin might be handed over, and Kuming brought him along as a guard for the talks.
  • Ōnoki warned Kitsuchi that Konoha’s sudden invitation likely signaled hostile intent, while the Stone, Cloud, and Takigakure delegations headed to the Hokage Building.
  • Minato introduced Uzumaki Kuming as Konoha’s representative and said the village would follow his judgment in the negotiations.
  • Uzumaki Kuming reminded Takigakure that he had sealed its Seven-Tails after it attacked Konoha and declared that Takigakure had forfeited its right to possess a Tailed Beast.

Ch. 442The Six Paths' Artifacts!

Uzumaki Kuming clashed with the Cloud and Stone envoys after rejecting Takigakure’s protest over Konoha’s claim to the Tailed Beasts. He overwhelmed the Raikage, Killer B, and Ōnoki, then faced a coordinated attack before the Hokage Building as the gathered crowd watched.

  • Uzumaki Kuming threatened to take Takigakure’s Tailed Beast and unleashed his Chakra, cracking the meeting room and forcing the Takigakure delegation to the floor.
  • Raikage A challenged Kuming, and Kuming kicked Killer B through the meeting room wall before defeating A, Yugito Nii, and Ōnoki in a brief exchange that brought down the building.
  • Minato Namikaze ordered the reinforcements not to interfere as Kuming prepared to spar with the Cloud and Stone envoys in the open space.
  • Naruto Uzumaki and Shikamaru Nara joined the growing crowd outside the Hokage Building, while the Takigakure envoys withdrew to Minato’s side.
  • Raikage A and Killer B attacked Kuming with Double Lariat, but Kuming caught both of their wrists as Yugito Nii descended in Matatabi’s Chakra and Samui revealed a scroll containing several weapons.

Ch. 443You're So Weak, Why Are You Slamming Tables?

Uzumaki Kuming overwhelmed the allied Kumogakure attack, capturing Killer B and severing his connection to Gyūki before challenging the Raikage and Ōnoki. Ōnoki and the Raikage combined their techniques against him, but Kuming evaded Dust Release and ended up behind the Tsuchikage, leaving Ōnoki to admit his limits.

  • Uzumaki Kuming repelled Yugito Nii and Samui’s attacks, then threw the Raikage and Killer B away.
  • The Raikage and Killer B attacked Kuming together, but Kuming struck Killer B, seized him by the neck, and used Cursed Seals to cut off his connection to Gyūki.
  • Kitsuchi redirected Kuming’s thrown sword with a stone pillar, saving Samui from being pierced.
  • Kuming declared that Kumogakure could not challenge Konoha, then released Killer B while sealing the Chakra in his body.
  • Ōnoki enhanced the Raikage’s speed and weight for a combined attack, but Kuming stopped the Raikage and caused Ōnoki’s Dust Release to miss.
  • Kuming appeared behind Ōnoki with his hand at the Tsuchikage’s back, and Ōnoki sighed that he was getting old.

Ch. 444Please, Let Them Be Our Guests in Konoha!

Uzumaki Kuming persuaded Killer B and Yugito Nii to remain in Konoha for protection after warning that Madara Uchiha had been resurrected and was targeting the Tailed Beasts. Several days later, Omoi and Karui arrived in the Land of Fire to check on them and encountered a bloodied Konoha shinobi.

  • Ōnoki agreed that Iwagakure would stop interfering in Takigakure and seek Deidara’s extradition, while A accused him of betraying their alliance.
  • Uzumaki Kuming stopped A from attacking Ōnoki and revealed that Madara Uchiha had returned and was hunting the Tailed Beasts.
  • A refused Konoha’s offer to protect Killer B and Yugito Nii, but both Jinchuriki chose to stay, and A eventually accepted their decision.
  • Minato arranged for Anbu to escort A home, the Takigakure shinobi left, and Iwagakure later took custody of Deidara.
  • Omoi and Karui arrived in the Land of Fire to find Killer B and Yugito Nii, then encountered a blood-soaked Konoha shinobi who asked them for help.

Ch. 445Truly a Pair of Nice Eyes!

Karui and Omoi rescued the injured Shisui Uchiha and learned he was carrying a scroll for Konoha's Fourth Hokage. After Karui and Omoi left to deliver it, Madara Uchiha appeared before Shisui and recognized his newly evolved Mangekyō Sharingan.

  • Karui identified the injured man as a Konoha Uchiha and treated his wounds despite Omoi's objections.
  • Shisui woke, introduced himself to Karui and Omoi, and explained he had been hurt by an enemy he believed was no longer pursuing him.
  • Shisui asked Karui to deliver his scroll to the Fourth Hokage, but Omoi urged her to refuse; Karui accepted it anyway.
  • Karui and Omoi left the camp separately from Shisui, while Shisui stayed behind to rest and roast the rabbit.
  • Madara Uchiha emerged from the forest, praised Shisui's eyes, and identified them as the Mangekyō Sharingan.

Ch. 446Jinchuriki Training Camp!

Uzumaki Kuming began group training to help Naruto and the other Jinchuriki control their Tailed Beast Chakra. Naruto entered his inner world and found Uzumaki Kuming beside a massive cage containing a strange, enormous creature.

  • Anbu searched a devastated clearing for the missing Shisui and decided to inform the village and border troops.
  • Uzumaki Kuming trained Yoriichi Namikaze in taijutsu and keeping the First Gate open, while Naruto grew impatient to begin his own training.
  • Obito Uchiha, Rin Nohara, and Karin Senju arrived, and Uzumaki Kuming explained that Rin would help Naruto improve his Chakra control.
  • Uzumaki Kuming gathered the Jinchuriki and warned them to prepare for the threat of Madara Uchiha before sending them into their inner worlds.
  • Naruto awoke in a dark sewer, followed the light to a massive cage, and saw a strange creature inside as Uzumaki Kuming stood nearby.

Ch. 447Tailed Beasts Clash, the Nine-Tails' Ambition!

Naruto Uzumaki entered the Seven-Tails’ sealed space with Uzumaki Kuming and asked Chomei to fight alongside him, but Chomei rejected him and threatened Kuming. Kurama then attacked Chomei, sparking a battle that spread through Naruto’s seal and began in Rin’s and Karin Senju’s sealed spaces as well.

  • Uzumaki Kuming shielded Naruto from Chomei’s roar and brought him through the lightning curtain into the Seven-Tails’ cage.
  • Naruto introduced himself to Chomei and asked for its acknowledgment and help protecting their people, but Chomei refused and threatened Kuming.
  • Kurama emerged from Naruto’s Chakra, struck Chomei, and demanded that Kuming release it so they could fight.
  • Uzumaki Kuming withdrew the restraints and retreated with Naruto as Kurama and Chomei began battling inside the cage.
  • Naruto, Rin, and Karin Senju released red Chakra in the real world, and Uzumaki Kuming reassured Obito Uchiha that the situation was under control.
  • Kurama began fighting the Three-Tails and Six-Tails in Rin’s and Karin’s sealed spaces.

Ch. 448Naruto's Training Results!

Uzumaki Kuming and Kurama tested Naruto, Karin, and Rin Nohara against the Tailed Beasts sealed inside them. Naruto used his own training to trap Chomei and earn his acknowledgment, but Chomei retaliated with a Tailed Beast Bomb before the confrontation was settled.

  • Kurama split his Chakra to battle Chomei, the Six-Tails, and the Three-Tails in their sealing spaces, gaining the upper hand against them.
  • After Kurama subdued Chomei, Naruto refused Uzumaki Kuming's help and stepped forward to earn Chomei's acknowledgment himself.
  • Naruto attacked with Shadow Clones and Rasengans, then used Black Spring Swamp and Wild Lion's Mane Technique to immobilize Chomei.
  • Chomei fired a Tailed Beast Bomb at Naruto, but Uzumaki Kuming caught it with a golden fox claw and smashed it back into Chomei.

Ch. 449Sage Art and Bad News!

Naruto refused to take Chomei's Chakra without earning its recognition, so Uzumaki Kuming brought him to Mount Myoboku to train in Sage Mode. As Naruto went to hear the Great Toad Sage's prophecy, Rin lost control of her Tailed Beast Chakra and attacked Obito and an Anbu.

  • Naruto told Uzumaki Kuming he wanted to earn Chomei's recognition and protect it with his own strength, and Chomei's hostility eased slightly.
  • Uzumaki Kuming left Obito in charge of Rin and Karin, gave him sealing talismans, and took Naruto to Mount Myoboku.
  • Uzumaki Kuming arranged for Naruto to learn Sage Mode, but Sage Shima arrived and summoned Naruto to hear the Great Toad Sage's prophecy.
  • Obito spoke with an Anbu while Rin struggled with the Tailed Beast's negative emotions, then Rin erupted in a three-tailed cloak and struck Obito with her tails.
  • Rin pierced the Anbu with one of her tails and pinned him to the ground as Obito tried to reach her.

Ch. 450The Black Pot Thrown My Way!

Karin lost control of Saiken during training, and the resulting attack and explosions killed the Anbu Miyano before Uzumaki Kuming returned. Kuming accepted responsibility, ordered the incident concealed, and learned that Shisui had gone missing on a mission.

  • Obito rescued Rin from her Tailed Beast transformation, but Karin transformed into the Six-Tails Saiken and attacked him.
  • Saiken’s chakra bubbles triggered a massive explosion that engulfed Uzumaki Kuming just after he returned from Mount Myoboku.
  • Kuming emerged unharmed, and Saiken retreated into Karin’s seal as she regained consciousness beside Miyano’s corpse.
  • Obito apologized and told Kuming that Shisui’s squad had been found dead at the Land of Fire border and Shisui was missing.
  • Kuming took responsibility for Miyano’s death, ordered compensation for his family and secrecy about the incident, and told Obito to recall Uchiha members stationed outside the village.
  • Karin followed Kuming home while the gathered ninja concluded that she had killed Miyano, and rumors about the incident began spreading.

Ch. 451Completion, Sage Mode!

Konoha’s response to Karin Senju’s rampage sparked an organized protest, which Minato Namikaze calmed by taking responsibility and defending her. Meanwhile, Naruto Uzumaki successfully entered Sage Mode at Mount Myoboku, though he still needed to master it.

  • Rumors about Karin Senju killing an Anbu member spread through Konoha, and Killer B and Yugito Nii discussed what the incident might mean for Konoha and Kumogakure.
  • Organized protesters gathered outside the Hokage Building and demanded Karin’s punishment, prompting Minato Namikaze and Nara Shikaku to suspect a conspiracy.
  • Nara Shikaku proposed faking Karin’s execution to draw out the mastermind, but Minato rejected the plan and publicly took responsibility for the incident.
  • Minato’s speech persuaded most protesters to leave, though Karin Senju and Rin Nohara continued to face suspicion and exclusion from villagers.
  • Naruto Uzumaki entered Sage Mode at Mount Myoboku, then fell from a rocky peak while trying to move and discovered he was unharmed.

Ch. 452First Battle in Sage Mode!

Naruto entered Sage Mode and sparred with Uzumaki Kuming, learning through repeated defeats and adapting quickly. That night, Sage Fukasaku revealed that the Great Toad Sage’s prophecy foretold two boys fighting the ancestor of Chakra, with Kuming absent from the battle.

  • Naruto discovered Sage Mode had left him unharmed after his fall, and Sage Fukasaku praised how completely he had mastered it.
  • Kuming agreed to spar with Naruto and quickly knocked him down, showing him the gap between their abilities.
  • Naruto charged Kuming repeatedly, and Kuming used the bouts to teach him that Sage Mode alone would not make him invincible.
  • Through a full day of fighting, Naruto improved his combat instincts, Sage Mode control, and ability to anticipate Kuming’s attacks.
  • At the campfire, Fukasaku told Kuming that the prophecy described Naruto fighting beside a boy with powerful eyes to defeat their enemy.
  • Fukasaku identified the enemy as the ancestor of Chakra and said only two boys fought him, while Kuming was absent; Kuming wondered what the future held.

Ch. 453I Believe, and I Don't Believe!

Uzumaki Kuming challenged Sage Fukasaku’s faith in prophecy and revealed that his immense power was growing again, then left Mount Myoboku after Naruto resumed training. Back in Konoha, he met Killer B and two Kumogakure envoys who had encountered Shisui and brought a message for him.

  • Uzumaki Kuming questioned whether fate was fixed, told Sage Fukasaku that people from the future had predicted his death, and showed signs of controlling the weather and wielding immense Chakra.
  • Sage Fukasaku sensed that Uzumaki Kuming’s Chakra surpassed even the Great Toad Sage’s and worried about the powerful enemy Naruto might eventually face.
  • Naruto woke at dawn and began meditating on a stone peak, while Uzumaki Kuming watched before declining Sage Shima’s breakfast and leaving Mount Myoboku.
  • Kisame told Uzumaki Kuming that Omoi and Karui, disciples of Killer B, had arrived in Konoha with a message from Shisui, and Kuming asked Kisame to bring them to him.
  • Killer B brought Omoi and Karui to meet Uzumaki Kuming, who apologized after his pressure alarmed them, and Karui placed a scroll on the table.

Ch. 454Shisui's Message!

Uzumaki Kuming received Shisui's message through a genjutsu hidden in Karui's Sharingan and learned that Shisui's attempt to assassinate Madara Uchiha had failed. After seeing Madara target Shisui's eyes, Kuming set out to find him and ordered that no Uchiha leave the village.

  • Karui gave Uzumaki Kuming a blank scroll from Shisui, and Kisame confirmed it had no hidden writing or measures.
  • Uzumaki Kuming seized Karui, causing her to lose consciousness and awaken with a Sharingan that trapped him in Shisui's genjutsu.
  • Kuming watched Madara Uchiha demand Sharingan eyes, then saw Sasuke Uchiha bring him Shisui as a target.
  • Shisui activated Susanoo and attacked Madara, but the vision later showed him injured and meeting Karui and Omoi in a forest clearing.
  • Kuming returned to the living room, realized Shisui's assassination had failed, and left to search for him while ordering Kisame to keep all Uchiha in the village.
Arc 18 of 20